Utility bag with leveling tool sleeve

ABSTRACT

A utility bag with leveling tool sleeve, wherein the sleeve comprises an expandable wall structure for enabling convenient introduction, secure storage, and subsequent extraction of a box or torpedo level therefrom.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present Nonprovisional Application is related to, and hereby claimspriority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No.60/778,677, entitled “Utility Bag with Leveling Tool Sleeve,” filed onMar. 3, 2006.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to tool bags, and morespecifically to a utility bag with leveling tool sleeve for enablingconvenient storage and access to a box or torpedo level.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the general construction and carpentry industry, accurate measurementcan mean the difference between a well-crafted project and a poorsubstitute. As such, levels are an indispensable measuring tool utilizedto establish a true horizontal (level) or true vertical (plumb) plane,typically by means of a bubble in a liquid-filled tube or vial thatshows adjustment to the horizontal or vertical plane by movement of thebubble to the center of the vial. Found in just about everywell-equipped tool bag, levels come in wide-variety of shapes and sizes,depending on their intended use. However, the most ubiquitous of suchlevels is the box or torpedo level, usually characterized by a length ofat least eight to nine inches (for small projects), and can be up to twoto four feet in length for larger projects, such as building shelves orstructural carpentry. Regardless of size of the level, however,transport of a level within a conventional utility or tool bag can oftenbe less than convenient.

That is, although most utility bags provide a number of pockets orcompartments disposed either on the exterior or interior sidewalls ofthe bag, most such pockets or compartments significantly limit theuser's overall ability to effectively store and access a torpedo level.Indeed, with most conventional utility bags, the pockets or compartmentsare dimensionally, positionally or otherwise structurally limited ineffectively receiving, securely storing, and permitting subsequentaccess to a torpedo level.

Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a utility bagcomprising an expandable, sleeve-like pocket or compartment for enablingconvenient storage of a box or torpedo level.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described in a preferred embodiment, the present inventionovercomes the above-mentioned disadvantages, and meets the recognizedneed for such an invention by providing a utility bag with leveling toolsleeve, wherein the sleeve is disposed lengthwise on an exterior wall ofthe bag, and comprises an expandable wall structure for enablingconvenient introduction, secure storage, and subsequent extraction of abox or torpedo level therefrom.

According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present inventionin its preferred form is a utility bag with leveling tool sleeve,comprising a durable outer body and underframe, handles, and anexpandable sleeve.

More specifically, the present invention is a utility bag with levelingtool sleeve, wherein the sleeve is preferably disposed lengthwise on anexterior wall of the bag (i.e., parallel with the bottom of the bag),and comprises elasticized and/or pleated expandable sidewalls. Theexpandable sidewalls of the sleeve, in conjunction with the generalelongated structure of the sleeve, preferably effectively accommodateeffortless and convenient introduction, secure storage, and subsequentextraction of a box or torpedo level therefrom.

The utility bag of the present invention still further provides a seriesof open pockets, flap-covered pockets, and other side compartmentsdisposed on the exterior walls of the bag body. Additionally,bungee-straps disposed overtop selected side pockets or compartments areprovided for removably-securing loose items therewithin. The bag mayfurther comprise any number or series of interiorly-disposed pockets,compartments and other structures for convenient containment ofmiscellaneous loose hardware (i.e., drill bits, nails, small hand tools,etc.).

Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is itsability to provide a utility bag with a leveling tool sleeve.

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability toprovide a utility bag comprising a sleeve disposed lengthwise on anexterior wall of the bag (i.e. parallel with the bottom of the bag).

Still another feature and advantage of the present invention its abilityto provide a utility bag comprising a leveling tool sleeve characterizedby elasticized and/or pleated expandable sidewalls.

These and other features and advantages of the invention will becomemore apparent to one skilled in the art from the following descriptionand claims when read in light of the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood by reading the DetailedDescription of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments with reference tothe accompanying drawing figure, in which like reference numerals denotesimilar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a utility bag with leveling tool sleeve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND SELECTED ALTERNATIVEEMBODIMENTS

In describing the preferred and selected alternate embodiments of thepresent invention, as illustrated in FIG. 1, specific terminology isemployed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is notintended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and itis to be understood that each specific element includes all technicalequivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similarfunctions.

Referring generally now to FIG. 1, the present invention in itspreferred embodiment is a utility bag 10, comprising outer body 20,underframe 40, pair of handles 60, leveling tool sleeve 80, and pockets100.

Generally, outer body 20 is preferably formed or otherwise disposed overunderframe 40 to provide bag 10 with a substantially rectangularstructural configuration characterized by sidewalls 22, 24, 26, 28, openmouth 30, and rigid closed bottom or underside 32 (i.e., similar to autility or tool box). As such, large open mouth 30 enables ease ofplacement and access to tools contained within bag 10, and rigidunderside 32 provides effective and durable support therefor.

More specifically, underframe 40 of bag 10 may comprise any rigidstructure, including, without limitation, metal frames, molded metalshells, rigid plastic frames, molded plastic shells (ex., HMWpolyethylene shells), molded bio-foam, molded vinyl, vinyl sheeting,metal sheeting, wood sheeting, stiff fiber board, metal mesh, plasticmesh, or the like. In any instance, however, underframe 40 is preferablyutilized to reinforce and/or form, in part or in whole, the underlyingframework of sidewalls 22, 24, 26, 28, and/or underside 32, over whichouter body 20 is formed or disposed.

As generally described hereinabove, outer body 20 is preferably formedor otherwise disposed over underframe 40. However, the selectedmanufacturing process for securing outer body 20 over or to underframe40 is largely a function of the fabrics, materials or substratesutilized to form outer body 20. As such, depending upon the selectedfabrics, materials or substrates, outer body 20 may be stitched,riveted, and/or integrally formed with, underframe 40. Although avariety of high-grade materials, fabrics, and other substrates may beutilized to form outer body 20, the present invention seeks to endow bag10 with high strength and rugged durability and, as such, contemplatesthe manufacture of outer body 20 from, without limitation, nylon (ex.,double layered 1000 denier DUPONT CORDURA PLUS nylon, nylon yarn N-56,etc.), DUPONT CORDURA, canvas (ex., heavy duck canvas, No. 8 naturalcanvas, No. 6 natural canvas, etc.), polyester (ex., heavy-duty waterresistant 600 denier RIPSTOP polyester, double-layered 600×300 denierpolyester, etc.), SPUNTUFF water resistant material, durable moldedbio-foam, molded HMW polyethylene (ribbed or unribbed), leather, saddleleather, split leather, plastic, vinyl, polypropylene fabrics,polyethylene fabrics, polyolefin fabrics, plastic blends, and/orcombinations of the foregoing.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplatesthe provision of a substantially rigid bag structure, it should berecognized that bag 10 may be manufactured from underframes that enablecollapsibility of bag 10, such as, for exemplary purposes only, vinylwiring, nylon roping, and the like, wherein a soft outer fabric shellwould then preferably be selected to function as outer body 20, andwherein similar materials could be utilized to form sleeve 80 (describedmore fully hereinbelow) to facilitate collapsibility of same.

Preferably disposed proximate to sidewalls 24, 28 are handles 62, 64,respectively, of pair of handles 60, wherein handles 62, 64 are eachpreferably secured to and extend between sidewalls 22, 26 of bag 10,proximate respective peripheral lips 23, 27 thereof. Handles 62, 64 arepreferably formed from a substantially rigid, molded substrate, such as,for exemplary purposes only, anodized aluminum, anodized steel, anodizedmetals generally, powder-coated aluminum, powder-coated steel,powder-coated metals generally, molded rubber, hardened rubber, plastic,rubber-coated metal, and the like; however, pliable fabrics or othersubstrates may alternatively be utilized to form handles 62, 64. Handles62, 64 comprise non-slip, ergonomic rubber gripping pads 62 a, 64 a,respectively, for facilitating secure grasping and handling of bag 10.Additionally, terminal ends 62 b, 64 b of handles 62, 64 are preferablyriveted 65 or otherwise secured to respective sidewalls 22, 26, and/orrespective peripheral lips 23, 27, of bag 10.

Preferably formed or otherwise disposed on exterior surface 22 a ofsidewall 22, proximate peripheral lip 23 thereof, is sleeve 80, whereinsleeve 80 comprises a relatively elongated body 82 that may run thelength of sidewall 22, or be otherwise dimensioned to receive any sizedbox or torpedo level L. Preferably, sidewalls 82 a, 82 b of body 82 ofsleeve 80 are expandable, elasticized and/or pleated so as toaccommodate for the thickness of the level L introduced through mouth 84of sleeve 80. As such, sidewalls 82 a, 82 b are preferably formed fromelasticized and/or pleated materials, and/or may be formed from pleatedfabrics, such as, for exemplary purposes only, nylon, DUPONT CORDURAPLUS nylon, DUPONT CORDURA, canvas, polyester, SPUNTUFF water resistantmaterial, durable molded bio-foam, leather, saddle leather, splitleather, plastic, vinyl, polypropylene fabrics, polyethylene fabrics,polyolefin fabrics, plastic blends, and/or combinations of theforegoing. Additionally, mouth 84 of sleeve 80 may be elasticized so asto enable the expansion of same during insertion or introduction oflevel L therethrough or removal of level L therefrom, and to furtherenable subsequent retraction of same upon full introduction of level Linto sleeve 80; thus, providing secure storage and retention of level Ltherewithin.

Sidewalls 82 c, 82 d of sleeve 80 may comprise any rigid structure,including, without limitation, molded bio-foam, molded vinyl, vinylsheeting, metal sheeting, wood sheeting, stiff fiber board, metal mesh,plastic mesh, or the like. Although sidewalls 82 c, 82 d are preferablyformed from a more rigid material than sidewalls 82 a, 82 b, theexpandable, elasticized and/or pleated materials and fabrics describedhereinabove in the manufacture of sidewalls 82 a, 82 b, may similarly beutilized to form or otherwise manufacture sidewalls 82 c, 82 d.

Utility bag 10 still further provides a series of pockets 100 disposedover sidewalls 22, 24, 26, 28, wherein pockets 100 may include, withoutlimitation, open pockets 102, pre-form or heat molded open pockets 104,flap-covered pockets 106, and may still further include collapsiblepockets, side compartments, pockets and slots of varying size, securingloops, and the like. Additionally, bungee-straps 108 securely disposedovertop selected pockets 100 are provided for removably-securing looseitems therewithin. Bag 10 may further comprise any number or series ofinteriorly-disposed pockets, compartments and other structures forconvenient containment of miscellaneous loose hardware (i.e., drillbits, nails, small hand tools, etc.).

Additionally, preferably disposed about the bottom corner edges ofunderside 32 of bag 10 are non-slip or rubberized gripping feet 110 forsecurely maintaining bag 10 in a selected position or location over afloor surface, and to further elevate underside 32 from the floorsurface so as to prevent possible soilage thereof.

It is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that additional sleevesmay be provided along any one or more of sidewalls 22, 24, 26, 28, andin any selected orientation or position.

Having thus described the preferred and selected alternate embodimentsof the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the artthat the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various otheralternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within thescope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention isnot limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but islimited only by the following claims.

1. A utility bag for accommodating the receipt of a level, said bagcomprising: a sleeve for receiving and retaining the level, wherein saidsleeve comprises an expandable wall structure.
 2. The utility bag foraccommodating the receipt of a level of claim 1, wherein said expandablewall structure comprises a pleated wall structure.
 3. The utility bagfor accommodating the receipt of a level of claim 1, wherein saidexpandable wall structure comprises an elasticized wall structure. 4.The utility bag for accommodating the receipt of a level of claim 1,wherein said expandable wall structure comprises an elasticized andpleated wall structure.
 5. The utility bag for accommodating the receiptof a level of claim 1, wherein said sleeve is disposed on an exteriorsurface of said utility bag.
 6. The utility bag for accommodating thereceipt of a level of claim 1, wherein said sleeve is disposedhorizontally on an exterior surface of said utility bag.
 7. The utilitybag for accommodating the receipt of a level of claim 1, wherein saidexpandable wall structure comprises an elasticized wall structure, andwherein said elasticized wall structure retains the level within saidsleeve.
 8. The utility bag for accommodating the receipt of a level ofclaim 1, wherein said sleeve traverses substantially the entire lengthof said utility bag.
 9. The utility bag for accommodating the receipt ofa level of claim 1, wherein said sleeve is disposed within said utilitybag.
 10. The utility bag for accommodating the receipt of a level ofclaim 9, wherein said sleeve is accessible through a sidewall of saidutility bag.
 11. The utility bag for accommodating the receipt of alevel of claim 10, wherein said sleeve is accessible through a sealableopening disposed in said sidewall.
 12. The utility bag for accommodatingthe receipt of a level of claim 1, wherein at least one end of saidsleeve is selected from the group consisting of a sealed end and asealable end.
 13. The utility bag for accommodating the receipt of alevel of claim 1, wherein said sleeve comprises a transparent portionwhereby a user may visually inspect the contents of the sleeve throughthe transparent portion.
 14. The utility bag for accommodating thereceipt of a level of claim 1, wherein said sleeve comprises an open topand a flap for closing said open top, wherein the level is inserted intosaid sleeve through said open top, and wherein said level is retainedwithin said sleeve by said flap.
 15. A utility bag comprising: a firstsleeve configured to receive a box level; and a second sleeve configuredto receive a bullet level.
 16. The utility bag of claim 15, wherein saidfirst sleeve comprises an expandable wall structure and wherein saidsecond sleeve comprises an expandable wall structure.
 17. The utilitybag of claim 15, wherein said first sleeve comprises a mouth on a firstend thereof for receiving an end of the box level, whereby the box levelmay be inserted into said first sleeve, and wherein said second sleevecomprises a mouth on a first end thereof for receiving an end of thebullet level, whereby the bullet level may be inserted into said secondsleeve.
 18. The utility bag of claim 15, wherein said first sleeve isdisposed generally horizontally on a sidewall of said utility bag. 19.The utility bag of claim 15, wherein said first sleeve is disposedwithin said utility bag, and wherein said first sleeve is accessiblethrough an opening in a sidewall of said utility bag.